The Chicago Cubs are emerging as a potential trade fit for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal ahead of the July 31 MLB deadline, according to analysis from CBS Sports.
Skubal has been one of the American League’s top pitchers this season. He owns a 2.83 ERA with a 0.93 WHIP over 82⅔ innings. He has allowed just 11 walks while striking out 98 batters for a major-league leading 8.91 strikeout-to-walk ratio among qualifiers.
The left-hander is a pending free agent, making him a rental option for any team willing to meet Detroit’s asking price. The Tigers sit seven games below .500 but remain only 4½ games out of a wild-card spot with a strong run differential, leaving open the possibility they keep their ace and push for the postseason.
The Cubs, meanwhile, face significant challenges in their own rotation. Multiple key starters are sidelined, and the team will receive no further contributions this season from left-hander Justin Steele and right-hander Cade Horton.
Chicago recently acquired veteran right-hander Aaron Civale to provide short-term help. Analysts view the move as a temporary patch rather than a long-term solution for a club still chasing a playoff berth.
The North Siders continue to harbor realistic hopes of overtaking the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central or securing a wild-card spot. Adding a frontline starter would strengthen their chances of advancing deep into October.
CBS Sports writer Dayn Perry highlighted the Cubs’ situation in a July 20 analysis of Skubal’s possible landing spots.
Perry wrote: “Speaking of pitching injuries, the Cubs basically have an entire (quite good) rotation on the injured list right now, and they won’t be getting anything from Justin Steele and Cade Horton the rest of the way. Yes, the North Siders recently swung a deal for veteran right-hander Aaron Civale, but he’s more of a stopgap. The Cubs still harbor hopes of catching the Brewers in the NL Central and otherwise maintaining a grip on playoff position. Getting an ace like Skubal would help them achieve all that and be positioned to make serious noise in October.”
The addition of a pitcher of Skubal’s caliber would immediately upgrade Chicago’s starting staff and provide stability through the stretch run and into the postseason. Skubal’s ability to miss bats and limit baserunners aligns with what contending teams seek at the deadline.
Acquiring Skubal would not come cheaply. The Tigers would likely demand multiple high-value prospects or young major-league talent in return for the Cy Young candidate. Any deal would also require the Cubs to weigh the cost against their broader organizational needs.
The trade deadline market for starting pitching remains fluid. Several other clubs, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres, have also been linked to Skubal in various reports. The Cubs’ specific rotation injuries and playoff aspirations make them a logical fit in Perry’s assessment.
Chicago’s front office has shown willingness to add talent when contention windows open. A move for Skubal would signal aggressive intent to capitalize on the current opportunity.
Whether the Tigers ultimately decide to trade their ace or hold him through the stretch remains the central question. For the Cubs, the possibility represents a chance to transform their pitching outlook at a critical juncture.
If a deal materializes, Skubal would slot in as the clear No. 1 starter and give the Cubs a legitimate weapon for a potential playoff run. The coming weeks will determine whether that scenario becomes reality.
